FIRST TECH Challenge

What is FIRST Tech Challenge?

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, and program robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!” Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages, including Java.

About the game

This years (2019) game is positioned around the barren Planet X. The game is played with 2 teams consisting of 2 sub-teams. Each team has 2 minutes and 30 seconds to score as many points as possible. There is a 30 second Autonomous period (where the robot is not driver controlled.) During this period the robot can be programmed to detach from the lander, sample, drop team marker and park into the crater. Next, there is a 1 minute and 30 second period where drivers gain control of the robot. During this points can be earned by putting gold and silver minerals into the lander or into the depot. Finally there is a 30 second period called the End Game. During this final period, robots can re-attach to the lander or park, partially or fully, into the crater. The alliance with the most points wins the match.

Location

Why do we do this?

The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Avenger Robotics believes in and supports the ambitions of FIRST Robotics.